Mickey Mouse and friends make festive visit to Jayden Kelly’s high school classroom to announce student’s selection for coveted Walt Disney World Resort mentoring program; Teen among 100 students chosen nationally for all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World in March
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Jan. 13, 2025) – Houston-area high school student Jayden Kelly got the surprise of her life when Mickey Mouse and his friends showed up at her classroom today with news that she was selected to go to Walt Disney World Resort for its coveted mentoring program called Disney Dreamers Academy. She is the first of 100 students who will be notified of their selection this week.
Kelly and her classmates were learning their latest algebra lesson when the Disney
team arrived unexpectedly with a congratulatory sign, streamers and more as Walt Disney World Ambassador Shannon Smith-Conrad delivered the exciting news.
The scene was particularly thrilling for Kelly, who has never been to Walt Disney World and has longed for years to meet Mickey Mouse. In fact, her bedroom is awash in Mickey Mouse decorations.
During Disney Dreamers Academy, Kelly and the other students will connect with business leaders, Disney executives, Hollywood celebrities and educators through workshops and seminars designed to inspire and accelerate their career aspirations. They’ll explore diverse career fields; develop essential skills such as communication, leadership and networking; and of course, enjoy the magic and wonder of Walt Disney World, which continues to enhance its theme park experience for its guests with new attractions, entertainment and affordable offers for families each year.
Kelly has already achieved quite a lot, including overcoming the challenges of dyslexia. She is a member of the Honor Society for High School Scholars and the National Art Honor Society. She plans to channel her passion for cars into a career as a Formula One racing engineer where she hopes to design faster and safer race cars. She is also CPR-certified and served as her school’s student council president. In addition to her academic achievements, Kelly competed in track and field and worked as an athletic trainer.
Kelly and the program’s other students, along with a parent or guardian, will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World for the transformative four-day program (March 26-30, 2025) aimed at students from diverse communities.
Next up for Mickey Mouse is a trip to Atlanta, Georgia to surprise another deserving student.
About Disney Dreamers Academy
Established by Walt Disney World in 2008, Disney Dreamers Academy was created to inspire high school students from varying backgrounds and communities across the nation to dream big and pursue their goals. The program provides impactful content, expert guidance, mentors, and sponsors. Each year, 100 high school students are selected to attend a four-day immersive and transformational experience at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
